Baby  Pathfinder  to  the  Birds 


& 


w  O  U 

>    P-i    9 


£E   /^> 

H  ° 


Ctf 


CO 


^  3  i  f  b* 


o 

EH 


<f 


BABY  PATHFINDER  TO  THE  BIRDS 

ILLUSTRATED 

A  Pocket  Guide  to  One  Hundred  and  Ten  Land   Birds  of  New  England 
With  Blank  Pages  for  Notes 

BY 

HARRIET  E.    RICHARDS    AND    EMMA   G.    CUMMINGS 
Members  of  American  Ornithologists'*  Union 


W.   A.    BUTTERFIELD,   PUBLISHER 

59  Bromfield  St.,  Boston,  Mass. 

1904 


Copyright,   1904 
By  EMMA  G.  CUMMINGS  and  HARRIET  E.  RICHARDS 


PREFACE 

L'i  \ 
nnHIS  little  guide  has  been  prepared  primarily  for  New  England, 

but  should  be  of  service  in  New  York,  New  Jersey  and  Penn- 
sylvania. Birds  of  prey,  game  and  water  birds  are  not  included. 
The  descriptions  are  based  on  the  general  appearance  of  adult  birds 
as  seen  in  the  field.  The  small  size  and  blank  pages  for  notes  com- 
mend the  book  for  use  out  of  doors,  to  be  supplemented  at  home 
with  reference  to  more  elaborate  works. 

Persons  interpret  bird  songs  differently.  Therefore  it  is  difficult  to 
put  on  paper  the  translation  of  a  song  for  the  use  of  another,  but  in 
cases  where  it  seems  distinctive  we  have  given  it.  Many  birds 

535 


have  more  than  one  song  and  more  than  one  call  note,  and  different 
birds  render  them  differently. 

The  American  Ornithologists'  Union  check  list  number  precedes  the 
scientific  name.  Use  it  instead  of  the  index  when  consulting  Chap- 
man's Manual.  When  naming  a  new  bird,  locate  it  in  its  family; 
then  look  for  conspicuous  points,  wing  bars,  etc.,  and  often  by  de- 
ciding what  it  is  not,  you  will  follow  down  to  the  correct  clue.  If 
it  is  an  immature  bird  or  a  female,  it  will  be  more  difficult  to 
identify. 

Conspicuous  markings  are  printed  in  italics.  The  measurements 
given  are  approximate  only.  Remember  that  a  song  sparrow  is 
six  inches  long,  about  the  size  of  an  English  sparrow,  and  that  a 
robin  is  ten  inches  long. 


CUCULIDAE 

387.    Coccyzus  americanus 
YELLOW-BILLED  CUCKOO.     12  inches 

Male  and  Female  alike.  Above  olive-brown,  color  brightest 
on  wings  ;  upper  half  of  bill  black,  lower  half  yellow.  Below  white  ; 
tail  long,  rounded  ;  outer  feathers  black,  with  big 
white  spots  like  thumb  marks. 

A  slender,  shy   bird.     These  birds  are  closely  re- 
lated to  the  European  cuckoo,  which  like  our  cow- 
bird  lays  its  eggs  in  the  nests  of  other  birds.     Ar- 
rives in  Massachusetts  about  the  middle  of  May. 
Note.     Somewhat  resembling  the  syllables  cue,  cue, 
cue,  cue,  keow,  keoW)  keow,  also  single  coos. 
Nest.     In  low  shrubbery,  loosely  made. 
Breeds.     In  southern  New  England. 


388.    Coccyzus  erythrophthalmus 
BLACK-BILLED  CUCKOO.  12  inches 

Similar  in  appearance  to  the  Yellow-billed  Cuckoo,  but  distin- 
guished from  it  by  a  red  eye  ring  ;  an  all  black  bill ;  uniform  color 
above  and  outer  tail  feathers  tipped  with  white  instead  of  the  large 
spots. 

Both   cuckoos    feed  on    berries    and    insects,    chiefly    caterpillars. 
Arrives  in  Massachusetts  about  the  middle  of  May. 
Note.     Cue,  cue,  cue,  kow,  kow,  kow,  also  coos  in  groups   of  twos, 
threes  or  fours. 

Nest.  Better  constructed  than  that  of  the  preceding  and  in  simi- 
lar locations. 

Breeds.     Throughout  New  England. 

5 


ALCEDINJDAE 
390.     Ceryle  alcyon 

BELTED  KINGFISHER. 
Male.  Above  slate-blue ;  wings  and  tail  spot- 
ted with  white ;  head  large,  nearly  surrounded 
by  a  white  band ;  long  thin  crest ;  large  black  bill. 
Below  white ;  bluish  band  across  breast.  Female. 
Similar,  but  with  chestnut  markings  on  the  breast. 
Sits  erect ;  feeds  on  fish.  Arrives  in  Massachu- 
setts early  in  April. 

Note.     A  loud,  harsh  rattle,  given  on  the  wing. 
Nest.     In  a  hole  in  a  bank. 
Breeds.     Throughout  New  England. 

6 


13  inches 


PlCIDAE 

WOODPECKERS 

The  Woodpeckers  are  usually  seen  climbing  about 
the  trunks  and  branches  of  trees  searching  for  their 
insect  food.  Their  tails  are  rigid  and  pointed  at 
the  tip,  making  a  support  for  the  body  while 
they  hammer  the  bark  with  their  chisel-like  bills. 
They  dig  out  holes  in  trees  for  their  nests.  Their 
notes  are  loud  and  shrill.  Their  flight  is  undulat- 
ing. 

7 


393.    Dryobates  villosus 
HAIRY  WOODPECKER.    9  1-2  inches 

Male.     Above  black  and  white  spotted ;  white  down  the  middle 

of   the  back ;  also  white  above  and  below  the  eye  and  on  outer 

tail   feathers ;   red    patch   on   back    of   the   head.      Below   white. 

Female.     Similar,  but  without  the  red  patch. 

A   bird   fond   of    the    deep   woods.     Resident    in    Massachusetts 

through  the  year. 

Note.     Chink,  like  noise  of  a  chisel  in  drilling. 

Nest.     In  a  hole  in  a  tree. 

Breeds.     Throughout  New  England,  sparingly  in   the   southern 

part. 


394<:.     Dryobates  pubescens  medianus 

DOWNY   WOODPECKER.    6  inches 

Male  and  Female.  Same  coloration  as  the  Hairy  Woodpecker. 
The  best  distinction  between  the  two  is  difference  in  size.  The 
Downy  is  more  common  about  houses.  Resident  in  Massachusetts 
throughout  the  year. 

Note.     Chink,  like  the  Hairy's,  but  not  as  loud. 

Nest.     In  a  hole  in  a  tree. 

Breeds.     Throughout  New  England. 


402.     Sphyrapicus  varius 
YELLOW-BELLIED  SAPSUCKER.  8  1-2  inches 

Male.  Above  black  and  yellowish ;  crown  red  ;  broad  patch  of 
white  on  the  wings.  Below,  throat  red ;  breast  black ;  belly  yellow- 
ish. Female.  Similar,  but  throat  white. 

Feeds  on  insects  and  sap  of  trees.  Their  tapping  is  slower  and 
more  irregular  than  the  other  woodpeckers.  The  rows  of  holes 
around  old  apple  trees  are  made  by  these  birds.  Spring  and 
autumn  migrant  in  Massachusetts  in  April  and  October. 

Note.     Loud  and  squealing. 
Nest.     In  a  hole  in  a  tree. 
Breeds.     In  northern  New  England. 

10 


406.     Melanerpes  erythrocephalus 
RED-HEADED   WOODPECKER.     9  inches 

Male  and  Female  alike.     Above,   blue-black  and  white ;  whole 
head  red.     Below,  throat  and  upper  breast  red ;  belly  white ;  broad 
patch  of  white  on  the  wings. 
Rare  and  local  in  Massachusetts. 

Note.     A  rolling  note,  similar  to  a  tree  toad's  ker-ruck. 

Nest.     In  a  hole  in  a  tree. 

Breeds.     In  New  England,  irregularly  and  locally. 


11 


4120.     Colaptes  auratus  luteus 
NORTHERN   FUCKER.     12  inches 

Male  and  Female  alike.  Above  brown,  barred  with  black ;  red 
patch  on  back  of  head ;  rump  white,  conspicuous  in  flight.  Below 
lighter  brown  spotted  with  black ;  broad  black  crescent  across 
breast ;  yellow  under  the  wings  and  tail. 

Called  Golden-winged  Woodpecker,  etc.  Often  seen  on  the  ground 
searching  for  ants,  a  favorite  food.  Common  in  Massachusetts 
through  the  year. 

Note.     Wick,  wick,  wick,  many  times  rapidly  repeated. 

Nest.     In  holes  in  trees. 

Breeds.     Throughout  New  England. 

12 


CAPRIMULGIDAE 
417.    Antrostomus  vociferus 

WHIP-POOR-WILL.    10  inches 

Male.     Above  and  below  brown  and  yellow  mottled;    outer^tail 
feathers  white ;  band  across  the  throat  white  ;  mouth  large. 
Female.     Similar,  but  markings  less  distinct.  (JJ""^ 

The  mottled  browns  and  yellows  of  its  back  are  almost  indistin- 
guishable from  the  dry  leaves  of  the  wood  path,  where  it  often 
builds  its  nest.  It  flies  low  after  sunset  in  search  of  food,  and 
spends  the  day  on  the  ground  or  perched  lengthwise  on  a  shaded 
branch.  Common  in  Massachusetts.  Ar- 
rives last  week  in  April. 
Note.  Whip-poor-will,  whip-poor-will, 
rapid  and  continuous. 
Nest.  On  the  ground  in  the  woods. 
Breeds.  Throughout  New  England. 

13 


420.    Chordeiles  virginianus 

NIQHTHAWK.     10  inches 

Male.  Above  dark  brown  mottled;  wings  and  tail  with  broad 
white  band.  Below  barred  brown  and  buffy.  A  white  band  across 
the  throat ;  wings  longer  than  forked  tail.  Female.  Similar,  but 
throat  band  yellow.  \ 

Perches  lengthwise  on  a  limb.  Flight 
high  and  circling,  late  in  the  afternoon  and 
in  the  evening  in  search  of  food.  Common 
in  Massachusetts.  Arrives  second  week  in 
May. 

Note.     Peent,  uttered  on  the  wing. 
Nest.     On  a  low  flat  rock  in  open  fields, 
also  on  gravel  roofs  of  houses. 
Breeds.     Throughout  New  England. 

14 


MlCROPODIDAE 

423.     Chaetura  pelagica 
CHIMNEY  SWIFT.     5  1-2  inches 

Male  and  Female  alike.    Above  dark  brown.    Below  dusky,  lighter 
on  the  throat;  tail  short  and  spiny  tipped;  wings  very  long. 
These  birds  are  often  confounded  with  the  swallows.     Food,  insects 
caught  on  the  wing;  flight  fluttering.     Common  in  Massachusetts. 
Arrives  the  last  week  in  April. 

Note.     A  loud  chip  and  twittering. 

Nest.     Usually  in  chimneys,  made  of  twigs  glued  together  with 
the  birds'  saliva. 

Breeds.     Throughout  New  England. 

15 


TROCHILIDAE 
428.     Trochilus  colubris 

RUBY-THROATED  HUMMING-BIRD.  3  1-2  inches 
Male.  Above  metallic  green.  Below  gray,  ruby  throat ;  bill  long 
and  needle  shaped.  Female.  Less  brilliant,  without  ruby  on  the 
throat. 

Food,  honey  and  small  insects  found  in  trumpet-shaped  flowers.  A 
buzzing  made  by  the  rapid  motion  of  the  wings  reveals  its 
presence.  This  is  the  only  hummer  occurring  east  of  the  Rocky 
Mountains.  Common  in  Massachusetts. 
Arrives  about  May  15. 
Note.  Sharp  squeak. 
Nest.  On  a  branch  covered  with  li- 
chens, resembling  a  knot. 
Breeds,  Throughout  New  England. 

16 


TYRANNIDAE 
FLYCATCHERS 

Birds    of  plain   coloring,    large    heads,    short     legs    and    strong 

individuality.     They  lack  a  true   song,  but  each 

species  has  a  characteristic  note.     They  may  be 

recognized  in  general  by  their  habit  of  perching 

in  exposed  situations  to  watch  for  insects. 

They  make  a  sudden   dart  into  the  air 

and  return  to  the  same  perch,  repeating 

the    operation    again    and    again.     The 

snap  of  the  bill  in  flight  is  often  heard  ^ 

as  it  closes  upon  its  prey. 

17 


444.    Tyrannus  tyrannus 

KINGBIRD.      8  1-2  inches 

Male  and  Female  alike.  Above  slate,  a  concealed  patch  of  orange 
on  top  of  the  head.  Below  grayish  white ;  tail  with  white  band 
across  the  tip. 

Usually  sit  erect  on  fence  or  dead  twig  watching  for  food,  which  is 
always  caught  on  the  wing  ;  sometimes  they  hover  near  the  ground. 
Very  common  in  Massachusetts.     Arrives  the  first  week  in  May. 
Note.     A  sharp  dzee,  repeated  often  and  irregularly. 
Nest.     On  a  branch  in  a  somewhat  exposed  situation. 
Breeds.     Throughout  New  England. 

18 


452.     Myiarchus  crinitus 
CRESTED  FLYCATCHER.    9  inches 

Male  and  Female  alike.    Above  brownish  olive  ;  tail  rusty  ;  head 

crested.     Below,  throat  and  breast  gray  ;  belly  yellow. 

Usually  perch    high    in    open  deciduous  woods  ;  a   frequenter  of 

orchards.     Not  common  in  Massachusetts.     Arrives    the   second 

week  in  May. 

Note.     Loud  whistle. 

Nest.     In  a  hole  in  a  tree,  generally  with  a  piece  of  snake  skin. 

Breeds.     Locally  throughout  New  England. 

19 


456.     Sayornis  phoebe 

PHOEBE.  ^7  inches 

Male  and  Female  alike.  Above  olive-brown  ;  head  large,  some- 
what crested  ;  indistinct  white  markings  on  wings.  Below  yellowish 
white. 

Seen  about  barnyards.     Common  in  Massachusetts.     Arrives  the 
last  of  March. 
Note.     A  nasal  phoe-bee. 

Nest.     On  a  beam  under  abridge  or  shed,  made  of  grass  and  moss 
cemented  with  mud. 
Breeds.     Throughout  New  England. 

20 


459.     Nuttallornis  borealis 
OLIVE-SIDED  FLYCATCHER.    8  inches 

Male   and    Female  alike.     Above   olive-brown.     Below,   throat, 

breast  and  belly  yellowish  white ;  sides  darker. 

Perch    high    on    a  dead  branch,  preferably  in  coniferous  growth. 

Rare  migrant  in  Massachusetts.     Arrives  last  of  May. 

Note.     Eh  !  phoebe  in  a  loud  tone. 

Nest.     On  rather  a  high  branch,  loosely  made  of  twigs. 

Breeds.     In  northern  New*England  and  on  Cape  Cod. 


21 


461.    Contopus  virens 
WOOD    PEWEE.      6  1-2  inches 

Male  and  Female  alike.  Above  olive-brown  ;  two  white  wing  bars. 
Below,  throat  grayish  white;  breast  much  darker,  shading  to  yellow 
on  the  belly. 

Not  exclusively  an  inhabitant  of  the  woods.     Common  in  Massa- 
chusetts.    Arrives  about  May  20. 
Note.     Pee-a-wee,  plaintive,  slow  and  long  drawn  out. 
Nest.     In  trees  some  distance  from  the  ground,  firmly  built  and 
decorated  with  lichens. 
Breeds.     Throughout  New  England. 


463.    Empidonax  flaviventris 
YELLOW-BELLIED  FLYCATCHER.   5  1-2  inches 

Male  and  Female  alike.     Above  olive,  eye  ring  and  wing  bars 
white.     Below  light  yellow. 

Shy  birds  found  in  northern  forests,  perch  rather  low.     Rare  mi- 
grant in  Massachusetts.  '  Arrives  the  last  of  May. 
Note.     "  Killic  "  and  "puee? 
Nest.     On  the  ground  in  soft  or  spongy  growth. 
Breeds.     In  northern  New  England. 


23 


467.    Empidonax  minimus. 

'.LEAST  FLYCATCHER,    s  1-2  inches 

Male  and  Female  alike.  Above  dull  olive  ;  eye  ring  and  wing  bars 
white.  Below  grayish  white. 

Also  called  Chebec.  The  smallest  of  the  flycatchers.  Common 
about  houses  and  orchards,  jerks  its  tail  and  throws  its  head  back 
while  uttering  its  note,  che-bec.  Very  common  in  Massachu- 
setts. Arrives  early  in  May. 

Note.  Che-bec !  che-bec !  incessantly,  as  many  as  sixty  times  a 
minute. 

Nest.     In  the  fork  of  a  branch,  often  in  old  orchards. 
Breeds.     Throughout  New  England. 

24 


ALAUDIDAE 
474.     Otocoris  alpestris 

HORNED   LARK.     7  1-2  inches 

Male.      Above   brown   mottled  ;   forehead  yellow ;   black  barton 
forepart  of  crown  extended  on  either  side  into  little  tufts  of  feathers, 
giving   effect    of   horns ;    tail   black    with  white   edgings.    ,  Below 
whitish  ;  throat  yellow  ;  black  patch  on  breast  and  under  eye. 
Female.     Similar,  but  markings  less  distinct. 
A  near  relative  of  the  European  skylark.     In 
flocks  on  the  Massachusetts  coast  in  autumn 
and  winter,  usually  on  the  ground,  running  and 
walking  among  the  dead  grass  and  weeds,  the 
seeds  of  which  are  their  principal  food. 
Note.     A  whistle. 
Nest.     On  the  ground. 
Breeds.     North  of  the  United  States. 

25 


CORVIDAE 

477.    Cyanocitta  cristata 

BLUE    JAY.    12  inches 

Male  and  Female  alike.  Above  blue ;  wings  and 
tail  barred  with  black  and  tipped  with  white;  head 
crested.  Below  grayish  white  ;  black  collar  around 
the  neck. 

Direct,  strong  flight.  Permanent  resident  in  Massa- 
chusetts. 

Note.  Jay,  jay,  arid  other  calls. 
Nest.  In  the  crotch  af  a  limb. 
Breeds.  Throughout  New  England. 

26 


488.    Corvus  americanus 
AMERICAN   CROW.     19  inches 

Male  and  Female  alike.     Above  and  below  black  with  a  bluish 

tinge. 

They    are   walkers.     Live   in    flocks  and  roost  in    large  colonies. 

They  nest  in  April  and   May.     Food  in  winter,  seeds  and  refuse, 

near  the  coast,  fish  and  waste.    In  summer,  insects,  field  mice,  grain 

and    refuse.     Common  and  permanent  resident  in  Massachusetts. 

The  Blue  Jay  and  Crow  are  generally  disliked,  yet  are  birds  of  high 

mental  development. 

Note.     Caw. 

Nest.     In  trees,  pretty  high  up. 

Breeds.     Throughout  New  England. 

27 


ICTERIDAE 

BLACKBIRDS,   ORIOLES,  ETC. 

An  interesting  group  possessed  of  marked  individuality.  They  are 
closely  related  to  the  European  starling,  which  was  introduced  into 
New  York  City  in  1890. 


28 


494.     Dolichonyx  oryzivorus 

BOBOLINK.      7  inches 

Male.  Above,  head  black  ;  back  black  and  white ;  rump  white  ; 
wings  and  tail  black ;  yellow  patch  on  back  of  neck.  Below  black. 
Female.  Above  striped  olive-brown  like  a  sparrow ;  two  broad 
dark  stripes  on  the  head.  Below  yellowish. 

Flight  labored.  Locally  common  in  Massachusetts.  Arrives  sec- 
ond week  in  May. 

Song.     Joyous  carol  on  the  wing,  ending  in  delicate  harplike  notes 
Nest.     On  the  ground  in  hayfields  and  meadows. 
Breeds.     Throughout  New  England. 

29 


495.     Molothrus  atei 

COWBIRD.     8  inches 

Male.     Above  and  below  metallic  black ;  whole  head  rich  brown. 
Female.     Above  brownish  gray,  lighter  below. 
Is  also  called  Cow  Bunting.     A  walker,  often  seen  in  open  pastures 
following  cattle  to  get  insect  food,  hence  its  common  name.     Large 
flocks  frequently  perch  in  the  tree  tops.     Common  in  Massachu- 
setts.    Arrives  the  last  week  in  March. 
Note.     A  whistle  and  a  few  short,  harsh  notes. 
Nest.     None  ;  lays  its  eggs  in  the  nests  of  other  birds. 
Breeds.     Throughout  New  England. 

30 


498.    Agelaius  phoeniceus. 
RED-WINGED   BLACKBIRD.     9  1-2  inches 

Male.     Above  and  below  black  ;  scarlet  patch  edged  with  buff  on 

shoulder.     Female.     Above  mottled    brown   and    buff;    shoulder 

patch  indistinct.     Below  heavily  striped.     Looks  like  an  overgrown 

sparrow. 

Large  flocks  often  seen  in  spring  walking  on  the  newly  ploughed 

land.     Common  in  Massachusetts.     Arrives  in  March. 

Song.     O-ka-lee.     Call  notes,  a  chuck  and  long  whistle. 

Nest.     Among  reeds  or  in  a  tussock  or  a  bush,  near  water. 

Breeds.     Throughout  New  England. 

31 


501.    Sturnella  magna 
MEADOW  LARK.     10  1-2  inches 

Male  and  Female  alike.  Above  brown  and  buff  mottled;  broad 
dark  stripes  on  the  head  ;  outer  tail  feathers  white.  Below  bright  yel- 
low; sides  white,  spotted  with  black  ;  black  crescent  on  the  breast. 
Flight  straight  but  heavy,  hovering  as  it  alights.  Walks  and  is 
much  on  the  ground.  Common  in  Massachu- 
setts. Arrives  about  the  middle  of  March. 
Song.  Liquid  and  plaintive.  Also  has  chuck- 
ling notes. 

Nest.  On  the  ground  partially  covered,  in 
hayfields  or  pastures. 

Breeds.  In  southern  New  England,  sparingly 
north  of  Massachusetts.  Often  winters  near  the 
coast. 

32 


506.    Icterus  spurius 
ORCHARD   ORIOLE.     7  inches 

Male.     Above,  head,  wings,  upper  back  and  tail  black  ;  lower  back 

and    shoulders  chestnut ;    wing  bars   white.     Below,  throat  black  ; 

breast  and  belly  chestnut.     Female.     Above  olive-green ;    wings 

darker,  with  white  bars.     Below,  yellowish. 

Frequents  orchards  as  well  as  trees  about  houses.     Not  common  in 

Massachusetts.     Arrives  the  last  of  May. 

Song.     Similar  to  the  Purple  Finch's. 

Nest.     Basket  like,  of  grass,  in  fork  of  twigs  in  orchard. 

Breeds.     In  southern  New  England. 

33 


507.    Icterus  galbula 
BALTIMORE  ORIOLE.    8  inches 

Male.  Above,  head,  upper  back,  wings  and  middle  of  the  tail 
black  ;  wing  bars  white ;  rump  and  outer  tail  feathers  orange.  Be- 
low, throat  black,  the  rest  orange.  Female.  Above  olive,  wings 
and  tail  brown  ;  wing  bars  white.  Below  yellowish. 
Called  Golden  Robin,  Hangnest,  etc.  A  slender,  graceful  bird, 
flight  easy  and  direct.  Common  in  Massachusetts.  Arrives  about 
May  10. 

Song.     Clear  whistled  notes,  loud  and  continuous,  suggesting  the 
Robin  and  the  Rose-breasted  Grosbeak. 
Nest.     Hanging  near  the  extremity  of  a  limb. 
Breeds.     Throughout  New  England. 

34 


509.    Scolecophagus  carolinus 

RUSTY    BLACKBIRD.      9  1-2  inches 

Male.  Above  and  below,  uniform  shining  bluish  black.  Female. 
Plain  rusty  black  and  of  smaller  size.  Migrant  in  Massachusetts. 
Arrives  first  of  April. 

Song.     A  confused  whistle.     Call  note,  a  cluck. 
Nest.     In  a  bush  or  low  evergreen,  near  water. 
Breeds.     In  extreme  northern  New  England. 


35 


511.    Quiscalus  quiscula 
CROW   BLACKBIRD,  CRACKLE.     13  inches 

Male.  Above  and  below  iridescent  tints  of  purple  and  bronze ; 
long,  rounded  tail.  Female.  Much  duller ;  a  browner  and  a 
smaller  bird. 

Sub-species  ;  Bronzed  and  Purple  Crackles,  habits  of  the  two  identi- 
cal.    Bronzed   has    more   metallic   lustre  than  the  Purple.     They 
walk,  feed  on  grubs,  caterpillars,  army  worms,  etc.     Notice  their 
flight;  it  is  straight  and  direct,  and  the  tail  is  used  as  a  rudder. 
Bronzed     is    more    common    in    Massachusetts    and    northward. 
Arrives  in  March. 
Note.     A  creaking,  grating  call. 
Nest.     Usually  in  an  evergreen  in  gardens. 
Breeds.     Throughout  New  England. 

36 


FRINGILLIDAE 

4 

FINCHES,  SPARROWS,  ETC. 

The  Finches  have  stout  blunt  bills,  are  seed-eating  birds  and  are  for 
the  most  part  good  singers.  In  autumn  and  winter  often  found  in 
flocks. 

The  mature  males  of  the  Grosbeaks  and  Finches  are  usually  bright 
colored. 

The  Sparrows,  male  and  female,  are  more  or  less  striped  gray  and 
brown,  and,  as  they  stay  much  on  the  ground,  their  colors  afford 
them  good  protection.  Their  flight  is  short  and  labored.  They  are 
difficult  to  identify  and  require  patience.  Note  the  general  colora- 
tion and  the  breast,  whether  streaked  or  plain. 

37 


515.    Pinicola  enucleator  leucura 

PINE  GROSBEAK.     9  inches 

Male.     Above  and  below  crimson  flecked  with  gray ;  wings  and 

tail    brown;    wing    bars    white;  bill   short   and    thick.       Female. 

Above  and  below  gray  ;  head  and  rump  brownish  green  ;  wings  and 

tail  brown  ;  wing  bars  white. 

They  visit    Massachusetts  occasionally  in  winter,  when   they  are 

seen    in  flocks  feeding  on  seeds,  notably  ash  and  sumach.      The 

young  males  resemble  the  females  in  appearance,  so  that  in  a  flock 

only  a  few  birds  may  be  brilliantly  colored. 

Note.     Mellow  whistle. 

Nest.     In  conifers,  not  very  high  up. 

Breeds.     Chiefly  north  of  New  England. 

38 


517.    Carpodacus  purpureus 

PURPLE  FINCH.     6  inches 

Male.  Above  crimson,  streaked  with  brown,  brightest  on  rump  : 
bill  thick  and  rounded ;  tail  notched.  Below  crimson,  shading  to 
gray  on  the  belly.  Female  and  young  males.  Above  and  below 
brown,  streaked  like  sparrows. 

May  be  recognized  by  a  thick  rounded  bill  and  the  fact  of  living 
among  high  branches  in  contrast  to  sparrows  nearer  the  ground. 
Common  in  Massachusetts  where  a  few  winter.  The  migrants 
arrive  in  March. 

Song.     Joyful,  rich  warble  from  the  tree  top,  also  on  the  wing. 
Nest.     Preferably  in  coniferous  trees. 
Breeds.     Throughout  New  England. 

39 


521.    Loxia  curvirostra  minor 
AMERICAN   CROSSBILL.     6  inches 

Male.     Above   and  below  red,  brightest  on  rump;  back  flecked 

with  brownish  gray;    wings  and   tail  brown;    no  wing  bars;    bill 

crossed  at  tip.     Female.    Above  and  below  olive-green  flecked  with 

brown  ;  wings  and  tail  brown. 

They  visit  Massachusetts  occasionally  in  winter,  live  in  flocks  and 

feed   on  the  seeds  of  cones.      Their  presence  here,  as  is  that  of 

the  White-winged  Crossbill,  is  dependent  upon 

the  scanty  supply  of  cones  at  the  north. 

Note.     Chirp  or  whistle  as  they  work  and  as 

they  fly. 

Nest.     In  conifers,  of  twigs  and  bark. 

Breeds.     Northern  New  England. 

40 


522.    Loxia  leucoptera 
WHITE-WINGED   CROSSBILL.     6  inches 

Male.     Above  and  below  crimson,  brightest  on  rump  ;  wings  black 
with  two  broad  white  bands ;  tail  black ;  bill  crossed  at  tips. 
Female.     Above  dull  olive ;  rump  olive-green  ;  wings  and  tail  as 
in  male.     Below  grayish  olive,  mottled. 

They  visit  Massachusetts  occasionally  in  winter.     Habits  resemble 
those  of  the  American  Crossbill. 

Note.     A  chirp  very  similar  to  that  of  the  American  Crossbill. 
Nest.     In  trees,  well  made  of  bark  and  sticks. 
Breeds.     Chiefly  north  of  New  England. 

41 


528.    Acanthis  linaria 

REDPOLL.      5  1-2  inches 

Male.      Above  brown,   much    streaked ;    crown    red ;  bill  sharply 
pointed;  tail  forked.     Below  gray,  with  pink  tinge ;  brown  spot  on 
the  throat.     Female.     Similar,  no  bright  color  except  on  the  head. 
They  visit  Massachusetts  occasionally  in  winter,  keeping  in  flocks 
and  feeding  principally  on  weed  and  birch  seeds. 
Note.     Mellow  call  note  like  that  of  the  Goldfinch  and  Siskin. 
Nest.     Not  far  from  ground. 
Breeds.     Far  north. 

42 


529.     Astragalinus  tristis 
AMERICAN  GOLDFINCH.     5  inches 

Male.  Above  bright  yellow  crown,  wings  and  tail  black ;  wing 
bars  and  spots  on  tail  white.  Below  yellow.  Female.  Above 
brownish  olive ;  wings  and  tail  brown  ;  wing  bars  and  spots  on  tail 
white  ;  no  black  cap.  Below  yellowish.  Winter  plumage  of  the 
males  is  like  the  females,  excepting  the  wings  and  tail,  which  are 
black. 

Usually  in  flocks  except  at  nesting  time.  Flight  undulating,  often 
singing  as  they  go.  Common  and  permanent  resident  in  Massa- 
chusetts. 

Song,     Canary-like,  also  a  sweet  call  note  pe-e-e. 
Nest.     In  a  bush  or  tree. 
Breeds.     Throughout  New  England. 

43 


533.    Spinus  pinus 
PINE   SISKIN.     5  inches 

Male  and  Female  alike.  Above  olive-brown,  fstreaked  like  a 
sparrow ;  bill  sharply  pointed  ;  yellow  tints  on  wings  and  tail ;  wing 
bars  yellow.  Below  lighter,  streaked  with  brown. 
Distinguished  from  sparrows  by  yellowish  tints  and  habit  of  eating 
seeds  of  cones.  Flight  undulating.  Like  the  Crossbill,  Pine  Gros- 
beak and  Redpoll  is  an  irregular  winter  visitor  in  Massachusetts. 

Note.     Resembles  that  of  the  Goldfinch  and  Redpoll. 
Nest.     In  trees,  of  bark  and  weeds. 
Breeds.     Northern  New  England. 

44 


534.    Passerina  nivalis 
SNOW    BUNTING.    7  inches 

Male   and   Female   alike.      Winter    plumage,   above   yellowish 

brown,  streaked  with  black  and  white ;    wings  white  tipped  with 

black ;  outer  tail  feathers  white,  inner  ones  black.     Below  white, 

with  a  yellowish  brown  collar.     In  summer  the  plumage  is  mostly 

white.     Also  called  Snowflake. 

In  winter  large  flocks  visit  Massachusetts,  particularly  the  seacoast. 

They  are  running,  seed-eating  birds,  often  associating  with  Shore 

Larks. 

Note.     A  clear  whistle. 

Nest.     On  ground,  of  grasses. 

Breeds.     Far  north. 

45 


540.    Pooecetes  gramineus 
VESPER   SPARROW.    6  inches 

Male  and  Female  alike.      Above  light  and  dark  brown,  heavily 
streaked  ;  chestnut   or   bay   spot   on   shoulder ;   outer  tail  feathers 
white.     Below  dusky  white  streaked  with  brown. 
Usual   haunts,  roadsides   and  fields.     Common  in  Massachusetts. 
Arrives  the  first  week  in  April. 

Song.     Similar  to  Song  Sparrow,  but  more  plaintive. 
Nest.     On  the  ground  in  pastures  and  fields. 
Breeds.     Throughout  New  England. 

46 


541.     Passerculus  princeps 
IPSWICH  SPARROW.     6  inches 

Male  and  Female  alike.  Above  fawn,  streaked  with  brown.  Be- 
low white,  streaked  with  brown  ;  indistinct  patch  on  breast.  Nearly 
as  large  as  the  White-crowned  and  White-throated.  Lightest  colored 
of  the  sparrows,  color  blending  with  the  beach  grass  which  it  fre- 
quents. 

A  difficult  bird  to  approach  and  to  identify.  Visits  Atlantic  sea- 
coasts  in  winter. 

Song.     Much  like  the  Savanna  Sparrow's. 
Nest.     In  a  little  cavity  in  the  ground,  made  of  mosses. 
Breeds.     On  Sable  Island,  its  only  known  breeding  ground. 

47 


542.    Passerculus  sandwichensis  savanna 

SAVANNA   SPARROW.     5  inches 

Male  and  Female  alike.     Above  brownish  striped  ;  line*pvet  >Jke 
eye  yellow.     Below  white,  much  streaked  with  brown.   c_,~.; 
Familiar  haunts,  meadows  and  salt  marshes,  running  in  the  giass 
or  keeping  near  the  ground.     Locally  common  in  Massachusetts. 
Arrives  the  middle  of  April. 

Song.     Low  and  sweet,  ending  in  a  trill,  rather  insignificant. 
Nest.     On  the  ground  in  marshes  and  wet  fields. 
Breeds.     Throughout  New  England. 

48 


546.    Coturniculus  savannarum  passerinus 

GRASSHOPPER   SPARROW.     5  inches 

Male  and  Female  alike.  Above  dark  brown  mottled ;  bend  of 
wing  yellow ;  line  over  the  eye  and  on  head  yellow  ;  tail  feathers 
about  equal  length,  pointed.  Below  grayish  white,  not  streaked. 
Called  Yellow- winged  Sparrow.  One  of  the  smallest  of  the  family. 
Does  not  fly  until  almost  stepped  upon  and  easily  passed  by  on  ac- 
count of  its  insect-like  note.  Frequents  waste  fields.  Locally  com- 
mon in  Massachusetts.  Arrives  the  middle  of  May. 

Song.     A  thin  grasshopper-like  note. 

Nest.     On  the  ground  well  under  the  dry  grass  in  old  fields. 

Breeds.     In  southern  New  England. 

49 


549.    Ammodramus  caudacutus 
;SHARP-TAILED  SPARROW,    s  1.2  inches 

Male  and  Female  alike.  Above  grayish  brown ;  wings  and  tail 
reddish  brown,  below  the  eye  a  patch  of  gray  surrounded  by  yel- 
low ;  tail  narrow,  feathers  sharply  pointed.  Below  buff  y,  conspicu 
ously  streaked  with  brown. 

One  of  the  darkest  colored  of  the  sparrows.     A  birdj  of   the'salt- 
water  marshes.     Arrives  in  Massachusetts  in  May. 
Song.     A  low  twitter. 

Nest.     On  the  ground,  hid  in  grass  just  above  tide  water. 
Breeds.     Along  the  marshy  coast  of  New  England. 

50 


554.    Zonotrichia  leucophrys 
WHITE-CROWNED  SPARROW.   6  1-2  inches 

Male  and  Female  alike.     Above,  crown  conspicuously  striped  black 
and  white  ;  neck  gray  ;  back  gray  and  brown  streaked  ;   wing  bars 
white.     Below   light   gray   not    streaked.     Resembles   the  White- 
throated,  but  has  no  yellow  on  head  or  wings. 
A  rare  migrant  in  Massachusetts.     Arrives  the  middle  of  May. 
Song.     A   clear,   sweet   whistle,   suggesting   the    White-throated 
Sparrow's. 

Nest.     In  a  low  bush  or  on  the  ground. 
Breeds.     North  of  New  England. 

51 


558.    Zonotrichia  albicollis 
WHITE-THROATED  SPARROW,  Peabody  Bird.    6  1-2 in. 

Male.     Above,  head  black  and  white  striped  ;  line  in  front  of  the 

eye  and  bend  of  wing  yellow;  back  reddish  brown  striped  with  black  ; 

wing  bars  white.     Below  grayish  ;  throat  white.   Female.    Similar, 

markings  less  distinct. 

A    large,    handsome   sparrow.     A   few   winter   in    Massachusetts. 

Common  migrant  spring  and  autumn.     Arrives  the  last  week  in 

April. 

Song.     Clear,  plaintive  whistle  of  five  to  eleven  notes,  the  first 
two  the  longest,  "pea, pea, peabody , peabody, peabody" 
Nest.     Chiefly  on  the  ground,  in  woodlands  and  bushy  places. 
Breeds.     In  northern  New  England. 

52 


559.     Spizella  monticola 
TREE  SPARROW.     6  inches 

Male  and  Female  alike.  Above,  crown  chestnut;  back  brown 
streaked  with  black  and  buff  ;  two  white  wing  bars.  Below  light 
gray  to  white ;  faint  spot  on  the  breast. 

Called  Winter  Chippy,  but  is  larger  than  Chipping  Sparrow  ;  often 
in  flocks  in  old  weedy  fields.  Common  winter  resident  in  Massa- 
chusetts. 

Song.     Sweet. 

Nest.     Near  the  ground,  of  grasses. 

Breeds.     Far  north. 


53 


560.     Spizella  socialis 
CHIPPING   SPARROW.     5  1-2  inches 

Male  and  Female  alike.  Above,  crown  chestnut ;  back  streaked 
brown  and  buff ;  rump  gray;  wing  bars  faint ;  bill  black.  Below 
grayish  white,  not  streaked. 

A  sociable,  familiar  bird  about  houses.  Common  in  Massachu- 
setts. Arrives  about  the  middle  of  April. 

Song.     A  dry,  strong  trill  on  one  note. 

Nest.     In  vines,  bush  or  tree  lined  with  hair,  near  houses. 

Breeds.     Throughout  New  England. 

54 


563.     Spizella  pusilla 

FIELD  SPARROW.    5  1=2  inches 

Male  and  Female  alike.  Above,  crown  chestnut;  back  rusty  red 
streaked  with  black;  wing  bars  faint;  bill  light.  Below  white 
tinged  with  buff,  not  streaked. 

Might  be  mistaken  for  Chippy.  Look  for  light  bill  and  reddish 
back  ;  notice  haunt  and  song,  and  you  will  not  mistake  them. 
Usually  in  old  fields  and  scrub  pastures.  Arrives  in  Massachu- 
setts about  April  15. 

Song.  A  very  sweet,  bell-like  trill  preceded  by  a  few  slow-whistled 
notes. 

Nest.     In  low  bush  or  on  the  ground  in  scrubby  pastures. 
Breeds.     Throughout  New    England,  sparingly   in   the  northern 
part. 

55 


567.    Junco  hyemalis 
JUNCO,   SNOWBIRD.     6  inches 

Male  and  Female  alike.     Above  uniform  slate  color ;  bill  horn 
color ;  outer  tail  feathers  white,  conspicuous  in  flight.     Below  breast 
slate,  sharply  divided  from  white  belly. 
A  winter  resident  in  Massachusetts. 

Song.     A  trill,  much  like  the  Pine  Warbler's.    Call  note,  a  metallic 

chip. 

Nest.     On  the  ground,  usually  in  the  open. 

Breeds.     In  northern  New  England.^ 

56 


581.    Melospiza  cinerea  melodia 

SONG  SPARROW.     6  inches 

Male  and  Female  alike.     Above,  top  of  head  striped  gray  and 
reddish  brown;    back   heavily  striped  gray  and  brown;  tail  long 
and  thin.     Below  white,  heavily  streaked  with  brown  ; 
a  spot  on  centre  of  breast. 

A   bird  of  the  bushy  pasture  and  roadside,  usually 
near  water ;  a  very  constant  singer.     W  inters  sparingly 
in  Massachusetts.     Common  after  middle  of  March. 
Song.     Two  or  three  clear,  sweet  notes  followed  by 
a  descending  trill. 

Nest.     On  or  near  the  ground  by  roadsides,  in  pas- 
tures or  meadows. 
Breeds.     Throughout  New  England. 


57 


5S4.     Melospiza  georgiana 
SWAMP  SPARROW.     6  inches 

Male  and  Female  alike.  Above  crown  chestnut ;  back  striped 
browns  and  black  ;  upper  part  of  wings  chestnut.  Below,  throat 
white  ;  breast  gray  faintly  streaked  with  brown. 
May  be  recognized  by  its  chestnut  head,  wings  and  tail.  A  bird  of 
swampy  thickets.  Common  in  Massachusetts  in  bushy  marshes. 
Arrives  early  in  April. 

Song.     A   trill   resembling  that  of   the    Chipping   Sparrow,   but 
slower  and  more  musical. 

Nest.     On  the  ground  in  a  tussock,  in  meadow  or  bushy  swamp. 
Breeds.     Throughout  New  England. 

58 


585.    Passerella  iliaca 

FOX   SPARROW.       7  inches 

Male  and  Female  alike.  Above  chestnut  and  gray  striped,  bright- 
est on  rump  and  tail.  Below  white  streaked  with  chestnut. 
The  largest  and  reddest  of  the  sparrows  ;  often  flock  with  other 
sparrows.  They  live  mostly  on  the  ground  and  scratch  among  the 
dead  leaves  for  food.  A  common  spring  and  autumn  migrant  in 
Massachusetts.  Arrives  last  of  March. 

Song.     One  of  the  most  beautiful  of  sparrow  songs,  rich,  full  and 

sweet. 

Nest.     Near  the  ground. 

Breeds.     Far  north. 

59 


587.  ^Pipilo  erythrophthalmus 

^OWHEE,  CHEWINK.     8  inches 

Male.  Above  black,  outer  tail  feathers  tipped  with  white.  Below, 
throat  and  breast  black ;  belly  white ;  sides  chestnut.  Female. 
Brownish  where  male  is  black. 

A  bird  of  swampy  thickets,  much  on  the  ground  scratching  and 
rustling  among  the  leaves,  frequently  calling  chewink;  mounts  a  tree 
to  deliver  its  song.  Common  in  Massachusetts.  Arrives  in  latter 
part  of  April. 

Song.     "  Tee-hoo, pill-ill-ill-ill-ill."     £*\Y 
Nest.     On  the  ground  in  scrubby  woodlands. 
Breeds.     In  southern  New  England. 

60 


595.    Zamelodia  ludoviciana 
ROSE-BREASTED    GROSBEAK.      8  inches 

Male.     Above,  head  and  back  black  ;  horn  color  bill  thick  and  stout; 

rump,  spots  on  the  wings  and  on  outer  tail  feathers  white.     Below, 

throat  black;  breast  and  under  the  wings  rose  color;  belly  white 

Female.     Above  brownish.     Below  streaked;  yellow  under  wings, 

no  rose  color.    Common  in  Massachusetts.     Arrives  about  May  20. 

Song.    A  loud  warble,  suggesting  the  Robin 

and  the  Oriole,  preceded  by  a  sharp  chip. 

Nest.     Of  twigs  and  rootlets  in  a  bush  or 

low  tree. 

Breeds.     Throughout  New  England. 

61 


598.    Cyanospiza  cyanea"S5 

INDIGO  BIRD.     5  1-2  inches 

Male.  Above  and  below  rich  indigo  blue ;  wings  and  tail  brown- 
ish. Female.  Above  olive-brown.  Below,  breast  dingy  white, 
slightly  streaked. 

Also  called  Indigo  Bunting.  A  dainty  bird  of  the  roadside,  fields 
and  orchards.  Common  in  Massachusetts.  Arrives  about  the 
middle  of  May. 

Song.     "  Che-ree' ,   che-ree* \  che-ree' ,  che-ree1 ,  che-rah' ,  rah-rup1 ." 
Call  note,  a  metallic  "  cheep" 
Nest.     Well  hidden  in  a  low  bush. 
Breeds.     Throughout  New  -England. 


TANAGRIDAE 

608.    Piranga  erythromelas 
SCARLET  TANAQER.     7  inches 

Male.     Above  and  below  scarlet ;  wings  and  tail  black.     Female. 
Above  and  below  olive-green  ;  wings  and  tail  brownish. 
Frequents    open   deciduous   woods.      Common   in    Massachusetts. 
Arrives  about  May  15. 

Song.      Loud,   cheery   carol,   suggesting  a   hoarse   Robin.     Call 
note,  "  chip-churr" 

Nest.     Near  the  end  of  the  lower  branches,  loosely  built. 
Breeds.     Throughout  New  England. 

63 


*     I  (HlRUNDINIDAE 

SWALLOWS 

The  Swallows  are  known  the  world  over.  They  have  a  wide 
mouth ;  long,  strong  wings  ;  tail  more  or  less  forked ;  feet  small 
and  weak  ;  plumage  lustrous  with  metallic  shadings. 
Flight  circling.  They  feed  on  insects  caught  in  the  air.  Perch 
often  on  telegraph  wires,  seldom  alight  on  the  ground.  Nest  and 
migrate  in  flocks. 


611.    Progne  subis 
PURPLE  MARTIN.     7  inches 

Male.     Above  and  below  lustrous  blue-black;    very  long  wings 

and  forked  tail.    Female.   Above  dull  black.    Below  grayish  brown. 

Feeds  on  insects.     Locally  distributed  in  Massachusetts.     Arrives 

about  May  1. 

Note.       Usually  like  "  peuo,  peuo,peiio" 

Nest.      In    boxes    put    up  by    man    for 

their  use. 

Breeds.     Locally  throughout  New  Eng- 
land. 

65 


612.    Petrochelidon  lunifrons 

HAVE  SWALLOW.     5  inches 

Male  and  Female  alike.  Above  steel-blue;  rump  chestnut'; 
forehead  whitish  ;  chestnut  collar  all  around  the  neck.  Below,  throat 
dark  chestnut,  with  a  steel-blue  spot ;  breast  light  brown ;  tail 
square. 

Also  called  'Cliff  Swallow.  This  species  alights  on  the  ground 
about  muddy  places  for  nesting  material.  Arrives  in  Massachu- 
setts about  May  1. 

Note.     A  twittering. 

Nest.     Bottle-shaped,  of  mud,  under  eaves  of  buildings. 

Breeds.     Locally  throughout  New  England. 

66 


613.    Hirundo  erythrogastra 

BARN  SWALLOW.     7  inches 

Male  and  Female  alike.  Above  steel-blue ;  forehead  chestnut. 
Below,  throat  chestnut ;  belly  buff  y  ;  long  wings ;  tail  deeply  forked, 
with  white  spots. 

These  beautiful  skimmers  of  the 
farmyard  and  pastures  are  the 
most  familiar  of  the  family.  Ar- 
rives in  Massachusetts  about  last 
of  April. 

Song.  "  A  low  chattering  trill." 
Nests.  Of  mud,  on  rafters  of  old 
buildings. 

Breeds.  Throughout  New  Eng- 
land. 

67 


614.    Iridoprocne  bicolor 
TREE  SWALLOW.  6  inches 

Male  and  Female  alike.      Above   metallic  green.     Below   clear 

white  ;  tail  slightly  forked. 

Also  called  White-bellied  Swallow.    Ar- 

rives  in   Massachusetts  the  first  week 

in  April. 

Note.     A  twittering. 

Nest.    In  holes  in  trees  or  in  bird  boxes. 

Breeds.       Locally    throughout]    New 

England. 

68 


616.    Riparia  riparia 

BANK  SWALLOW.     5  inches 

Male  and  Female  alike.     Above  brown.     Below  white,  with  a 

brown  band  across  the  breast ;  tail  forked. 

The   smallest  of    the  swallows.     Breeds  in  colonies.     Arrives  in 

Massachusetts  about  May  1. 

Note.     A  twittering. 

Nest.     In  a  hole  in  a  sand  bank. 

Breeds.     Locally  throughout  New  England. 

69 


AMPELIDAE 
619.     Ampelis  cedrorum 

CEDAR  BIRD.      7  inches 

Male  and  Female  alike.  Above  brownish  ;  smooth  plumage  ;  head 
crested  ;  forehead  and  eye  line  black  ;  red  spots  like  sealing  wax  on 
wings  ;  tail  tipped  with  yellow.  Below  olive-brown,  shading  to  yel- 
low on  belly. 

Also  called  Cedar  Waxwing. 

Dignified,  affectionate  birds,  often   seen   in    flocks  in 
thickets  of  cedar  and  sumachs  feeding  on  the  berries. 
Winters  sparingly  in  Massachusetts.     A  common  sum- 
mer resident. 

Calls.     A   few  lisping  notes.     Also  a  "  hushed  whis- 
tle." 

Nest.       In  tree,  a  deep  cup  built  late  in  the  season. 
Breeds.     Throughout  New  England. 

70 


LANIIDAE 

621.    Lanius  borealis 
NORTHERN   SHRIKE,  BUTCHER  BIRD.      10  inches 

Male  and  Female  alike.    Above  gray  ;  black  bar  on  side  of  head 

and  through  eye;  wings  and  tail  black,  spotted  with  white ;  black 

hawk-like  bill.     Below  light  gray  with  wavy  lines. 

A  bird  having  the  characteristics  of  a  hawk ; 

swift,  strong  flight ;  feeds  on  mice  and  young 

birds ;  is  usually  alone  or  in  pairs.     Winter 

visitor  in  Massachusetts. 

Song.     A  rich  continuous  warble,  heard 

in  early  spring. 

Nest.     Near  the  grojind,  of  grasses. 

Breeds.     Far  north. 

71 


VlREONIDAE 

VIREOS 

The  Vireos  are  small  insect-eating  birds,  yet 
larger  than  the  warblers,  with  slender  beaks  and 
greenish  gray  plumage.  They  frequent  the  outer 
branches  of  deciduous  trees,  yet  keep  well  hid- 
den among  the  leaves,  singing  as  they  work. 
Some  of  the  species  are  good  singers,  all  have 
a  petulant  call  note  like  the  word  min-u-eet' . 
They  build  a  neat  cup-shaped  nest,  hung  from 
a  crotch  in  a  twig. 


72 


624.    Vireo  olivaceus 
RED-EYED  VIREO.     6  inches 

Male  and  Female  alike.     Above  olive-brown  ;  a  black  line  above  a 
white  line  over  the  bright  red  eye ;  no  wing  bars.     Below  white. 
A  bird  of  roadsides  and  the  open  woods.     Feeds  on  insects,  largely 
caterpillars.     Common  in  Massachusetts.     Arrives  about  May  12. 
Song.     Loud  and  clear,  delivered  in  conversational  style  all  day 
and  all  summer  long ;  might  be  described  as  a  query  of  three  syl- 
lables   in  rising  inflection,    are  you   there  ?   then  in  falling  inflec- 
tion the  answer,  we  are  here. 

Nest.     At  the  fork  of  a  branch,  a  dainty  hanging  cup. 
Breeds.     Throughout  New  England. 

73 


627.     Vireo  gilvus 
WARBLING  VIREO.     5  1-2  inches 

Male  and  Female  alike.     Above  olive-brown  ;  no  wing  bars.     Be- 
ow  dull  white,  tinged  with  yellow  on  sides. 

Frequents  tall  trees  of  the  village  and  roadside,  also  in  open  wood- 
lands ;  prefers  the  upper  branches  and  is  a  constant  singer.     Com- 
mon in  Massachusetts.     Arrives  about  May  5. 
Song.     A  rich,  mellow  warble,  suggesting  the  Purple  Finch's. 
Nest.     A  tiny  hanging  cup  on  a  forked  branch  high  up  in  a  tree. 
Breeds.     Throughout  New  England,  more  common  in   southern 
part. 

74 


628.     Vireo  flavifrons 
YELLOW-THROATED   VIREO.     6  inches 

Male  and  Female  alike.     Above  olive-green  ;    rump   gray ;  wing 

bars  white.     Below,  throat  and  breast  yellow  ;  belly  white. 

A  bird  of  the  open  woods  and  orchards,  a  persistent  destroyer  of 

caterpillars'   nests.     Common   in    Massachusetts.     Arrives    about 

May  5. 

Song.     Sweet  and  rich  in  quality,  in  form  much  like  the  Red-eyed 

Vireo's,  but  slower  and  lower  in  pitch. 

Nest.     A  little  cup  decorated  with  lichens,  hanging  at  the  fork  of 

a  branch,  not  very  high  up,  often  in  orchards. 

Breeds.     In  southern  New  England. 

75 


629.    Vireo  solitarius 
BLUE-HEADED  VIREO.     5  1-2  inches 

Male  and  Female  alike.  Above  olive-green  ;  head  bluish  gray  ; 
eye  ring  and  line  to  bill  white ;  wing  bars  white.  Below  white ; 
greenish  yellow  on  sides. 

A  confiding  bird  of  the  woods ;  also  called  the  Solitary  Vireo 
Arrives  in  Massachusetts  about  April  25. 

Song.  Resembling  Red-eyed  Vireo's,  but  richer  and  sweeter. 
Nest.  A  pretty  cup  hanging  from  a  forked  branch  low  down. 
Breeds.  In  northern  New  England. 

76 


631.    Vireo  noveboracensis 
WHITE-EYED   VIREO.     5  inches 

Male  and  Female  alike.    Above  olive-green  ;  eye  ring  white ;  wing 
bars  white.     Below  white,  shading  to  yellow  on  sides. 
A  bird  of   the  low  growths.     Locally  common   in   southern  New 
England.     Arrives  about  May  10. 

Song.     Short  and  emphatic  "  chip-a-weeo" 

Nest.     A  hanging  cup  from  the  forked  branch  of  a  low  tree  or 

bush. 

Breeds.     In  eastern  Massachusetts  and  southward. 


77 


MNIOTILTIDAE 
WARBLERS 

The  Warblers  are  small,  active,  insect-eating  birds.  Their  songs  are 
generally  sharp  and  wiry,  lacking  form  and  rhythm.  The  species 
that  live  in  the  trees  do  not  sing  as  well  as  those  that  live  on  or 
near  the  ground.  They  are  more  brilliantly  colored  and  generally 
have  dark  legs  and  bills.  They  feed  among  the  thick  foliage, 
often  near  the  tree  tops.  The  females  are 
much  duller  colored,  frequently  lacking 
the  bright  conspicuous  marks  of  the  male, 
and  so  are  puzzling  birds  to  identify.  The 
species  that  live  near  the  ground  have 
white  or  pink  legs  and  bills. 

78 


636.    Mniotilta  varia 
BLACK   AND   WHITE   WARBLER.  5i-2inches 

Male  and  Female  similar.  Above  and  below  black  and  white 
streaked;  bill  and  feet  black  ;  wing  bars  white  ;  outer  tail  feathers 
spotted  with  white. 

Also  known  as  the  Black  and  White  Creeper.  A  bird  of  the  wood- 
lands, seldom  perching,  most  of  the  time  creeping  over  the  trunks 
and  branches  of  trees,  searching  for  insects.  Coloring  suggests 
Blackpoll  Warbler.  Common  in  Massachusetts.  Arrives  about 
May  1. 

Song.      "Scis-sors,  scis-sors,  scis-sors" 
Nest.     On  the  ground,  usually  near  the  stump  of  a  tree. 
Breeds.     Throughout  New  England. 

79 


642.    Helminthophila  chrysoptera 
GOLDEN- WINGED  WARBLER.    5  inches 

Male.  Above  blue-gray  ;  crown  and  patch  on  wings  bright  yellow. 
Below  white  ;  a  patch  of  black  on  throat  and  through  eye ;  outer 
tail  feathers  with  white  spots.  Female.  Similar,  without  the 
black. 

A  bird  of  swampy  woodlands.  Summer  resident  in  eastern  Massa- 
chusetts. Arrives  about  May  10. 

Song.  Quality  of  tone  like  the  Black-throated  Green  Warbler's 
song. 

Nest.     On  the  ground. 

Breeds.     In  southern  New  England. 

80 


645.     Helminthophila  rubricapilla 

NASHVILLE   WARBLER,     s  inches 

Male  and  Female  similar.  Above  olive-green  ;  head  gray  with 
chestnut  spot  on  crown ;  no  wing  bars  ;  no  white  spots  on  tail. 
Below  yellow. 

A  bird  of  the  scrub  and  lower  growths.  Coloring  suggests  the 
Pine  Warbler.  Uncommon  summer  resident  in  Massachusetts.  Ar- 
rives about  May  5. 

Song.     Resembling  that  of  the  Yellow  Warbler  and  the  Chestnut- 
sided,  but  ending  in  a  loud  trill  which  makes  it  distinctive. 
Nest.     On  or  near  the  ground. 
Breeds.     Throughout  New  England. 

81 


648.    Compsothlypis  americana  usneae 
NORTHERN  PARULA  WARBLER.     4  1-2  inches 
Male.     Above  gray-blue ;  yellowish  patch  on  back  ;  wing  bars  and  tail 
spots  white.     Below,  throat   and   breast   yellow,  with    dark   band 
across  breast ;  belly  white.     Female.     Similar,  colors  duller,  often 
without  dark  band  on  breast. 

Also  called  Blue  Yellow-backed.  It  frequents  the  tops  of  the  trees, 
but  during  migrations  is  often  found  in  orchards  and  park  shrubbery. 
Arrives  in  Massachusetts  about  May  12. 

Song.  Starts  with  a  buzz  and  ends  in  a  husky  warble  like  p-r-i-t 
with  a  strong  accent. 

Nest.     Suspended  from  a  branch  in  orchards  or  on  edges  of  woods, 
made  of  usnea  moss. 
Breeds.     In  New  England  in  localities  where  there  is  usnea  moss. 

82 


652.    Dendroica  aestiva 
YELLOW  WARBLER.     5  inches 

Male.  Above  yellow.  Below  bright  yellow,  with  streaks  of 
chestnut  on  the  breast.  Female.  Similar,  but  no  chestnut  streaks 
on  breast. 

Suggests  a  Canary,  but  has  a  small  dark  bill.  Commonest  of  the 
warblers,  known  as  Summer  Yellowbird.  Arrives  in  Massachusetts 
about  May  1. 

Song.     Loud,  nervous  and  continuous  sweet,  sweet,  sweet-ee' . 
Nest.     In  a  shrub,  closely  built  of  plant  down  and  grasses. 
Breeds.     Throughout  New  England,  local  in  the  northern  part. 

83 


654.    Dendroica  caerulescens 
BLACK-THROATED  BLUE  WARBLER.    5  inches 

Male.     Above  dark  grayish  blue;  white  patch  on  wings  and  white 
spots  on  tail.    Below,  throat  and  sides  black ;  breast  white.    Female. 
Above  dark  olive.     Below  yellowish  white  ;  wing  patch  white. 
A  bird  of  the  woods.     Migrant  in  Massachusetts.     Arrives  about 
May  10. 

Song.     Zee,  zee,  zee,  loudly  and  slowly  on  an  upward  scale. 
Nest.     In  bushes  near  the  ground  in  dense  woods.     In   elevated 
portions  of  southern  New  England  it  nests  in  mountain  laurel. 
Breeds.     Throughout  New  England,  very  sparingly  in  the  south- 
ern part,  and  only  where  there  is  mountain  laurel. 

84 


655.    Dendroica  coronata 

MYRTLE  WARBLER,     s  1-2  inches 

Male.  Above  gray-blue  streaked  with  black  ;  wing  bars  and  tail 
spots  white  ;  crown  patch,  rtimp  and  sides  of  breast  yellow.  Below, 
throat  white  ;  breast  streaked  with  black.  Female.  Similar,  but 
with  indistinct  brownish  coloring. 

Also  called  Yellow-rumped  Warbler.  Food,  insects  and  berries, 
especially  bayberries.  A  bird  of  the  scrub  pastures  and  roadsides, 
often  in  flocks.  Abundant  migrant  in  Massachusetts;  sometimes 
winters  near  the  coast.  Arrives  about  April  20. 

Song.      Chewy,  chewy,  chewy,  repeated  on  the  same  note. 
Nest.     In  conifers,  not  far  from  the  ground. 
Breeds.     In  northern  New  England. 

85 


657.    Dendroica  maculosa 
MAQNOLIA  WARBLER.     5  inches 

Male.  Above  black ;  crown  blue-gray;  yellow  rump  ;  white  wing 
patch  ;  tail  black  at  end,  with  white  band  across  middle.  Below 
yellow,  heavily  streaked vt\fa  black  on  the  breast.  Female.  Simi- 
lar, but  colors  duller. 

This  bird  is  also  called  the  Black  and  Yellow  Warbler.  It  is  often 
seen  on  the  lower  branches  of  evergreens,  searching  for  insects. 
Migrant  in  Massachusetts.  Arrives  about  the  middle  of  May. 

Song.     A  few  clear  notes. 

Nest.     In  conifers,  not  far  from  the  ground. 

Breeds.     In  northern  New  England. 

86 


659.    Dendroica  pensylvanica 
CHESTNUT-SIDED  WARBLER,     s  inches 

Male.  Above  black  and  gray,  streaked ;  crown  yellow  ;  black  line 
over  eye ;  white  patch  under  eye ;  wing  bars  and  tail  spots  white. 
Below  white  ;  sides  chestnut.  Female.  Similar,  but  colors  duller. 
A  bird  of  the  scrub  and  swampy  open  woodlands.  Common  in 
Massachusetts.  Arrives  about  May  5. 

Song.     Five  or  six  musical  notes,  suggesting  the  Yellow  Warbler 

Nest.     In  low,  dry  scrub. 

Breeds.     Throughout  New  England. 

87 


660.    Dendroica  castanea 
BAY-BREASTED  WARBLER.     5  1-2  inches 

Male.  Above  brown,  streaked  with  black ;  crown  chestnut;  fore- 
head and  sides  of  head  black ;  wing  bars  and  tail  spots  white. 
Below,  throat,  breast  and  sides  chestnut;  belly  pale  yellow.  Female. 
Similar,  but  colors  duller. 

A  rare  migrant  in  Massachusetts.  Arrives  about  the  middle  of 
May. 

Song.     A  fine,  hurried  z-e-e. 

Nest.     In  conifers. 

Breeds.     In  northern  New  England. 

88 


661.     Dendroica  striata 
BLACKPOLL   WARBLER.    5  1-2  inches 

Male.     Above  black  and  white,  streaked  ;  crown  black;  white  patch 

under  the  eye ;    wing   bars    and    tail   spots    white.     Below   white, 

streaked  with  black  on  sides.     Female.     Similar,  with   yellowish 

tinge. 

A  bird  of  the  woods  and  tall  trees.     Suggests  the  Black  and  White 

Creeper.     A  common   migrant    in  Massachusetts.     Arrives  about 

the  middle  of  May. 

Song.     Similar  to  the  Black  and  White  Creeper's,  but  faster  and 
in  higher  key. 
Nest.     In  conifers. 

Breeds.     In  northern  New  England,  on  high  mountains. 

89 


?,   ,fl3J*- 


662.     Dendroica  blackburniae 
BLACKBURNIAN  WARBLER,     s  inches 

Male.     Above  black  streakeS  with  white  ;  head  striped  orange  and 

black  ;  black  line  under  and  through  eye;  wing  patch  and  tail  spots 

white.     Below,  throat  orange;  sides   yellow  streaked  with    black. 

Female.     Similar,  but  much  duller  colors. 

A  bird  of  the  high  open  woods,  usually   in  conifers.     Sings  from 

the  tree  tops.     Migrant  in  Massachusetts.     Arrives  about  May  10. 

Song.     Rather  long,  ending  high  and  wiry. 

Nest.     In  conifers. 

Breeds.     In  northern  New  England. 

90 


667.    Dendroica  virens 
BLACK-THROATED  GREEN  WARBLER.  5  inches 

Male.     Above  olive-green ;  sides  of  head  yellow ;  wing   bars  and 
tail  spots  white.    Below,  throat  and  breast  black  ;  belly  white. 
Female.     Similar,  but  colors  duller  ;  no  black  on  the  throat. 
Common  in  Massachusetts  in  pine  woods.     Arrives   about  May  1. 
Song.     "  Trees,  trees,  murmuring  trees"  given  rapidly. 
Nest.     In  an  evergreen  tree  in  the  woods. 
Breeds.     Throughout  New  England. 


91 


671.    Dendroica  vigorsii 

PINE    WARBLER.      5  1-2  inches 

Male.  Above  olive-green  ;  wing  bars  and  tail  spots  white.  Below 
yellow.  Female.  Similar,  but  colors  duller. 

Resembles  the  Nashville;  look  for  white  markings  on  Pine  War- 
bler. Common  in  Massachusetts,  in  pitch  pine  woods.  Arrives 
about  April  10. 

Song.  A  loud  trill  suggesting  the  Chipping  Sparrow,  but  it  has 
a  richer  quality. 

Nest.     Usually  near  the  end  of  a  pine  tree  branch. 
Breeds.     In  southern  New  England. 

92 


Dendroica  palmarum  hypochrysea 
YELLOW   PALM  WARBLER.    5  1-2  inches 

Male  and  Female  alike.     Above  olive,  brighter  on  rump ;  yellow 

line   over   eye;   crown  chestnut;  no  wing    bars;  tail   spots  white. 

Below  yellow,  streaked  with  chestnut  on  the  sides. 

More  like  a  sparrow  than  a  warbler  in  its  habit  of  frequenting  fields 

and  open  places,  much  on  the  ground,  flirts  its  tail.     Migrant  in 

Massachusetts.     Arrives  about  the  middle  of  April. 

Song.     A  thin,  light  trill  on  one  note. 

Nest.     On  the  ground. 

Breeds.     Sparingly  in  eastern  Maine,  but  chiefly  north  of  New 

England. 

93 


673.    Dendroica  discolor 
PRAIRIE   WARBLER.     4  1-2  inches 

Male.  Above  olive-green ;  chestnut  markings  on  back;  yellow 
line  over  eye ;  wing  bars  yellow ;  tail  spots  white.  Below 
yellow,  sides  streaked  with  black.  Female.  Similar,  but  often 
lacks  the  chestnut  markings  on  the  back. 

A  bird  of  the  scrub  oaks  and  old  pastures.     Common  in  Massachu- 
setts near  the  coast.     Arrives  about  May  10. 
Song.     Zee,  zee,  zee,  zee,  on  an  ascending  scale. 
Nest.     In   pastures   or   scrub  not  far  from  the  ground,  made  of 
grass  and  roots. 

Breeds.     In  southern  New  England,  rarely  north  of   Massachu- 
setts. / 

94 


674,    Seiurus  aurocapillus 

OVENB1RD.     6  inches 

Male  and  Female  alike.  Above  olive-brown  ;  crown  striped  orange 
and  black.  Below  white,  streaked  with  brown.  No  wing  bars  nor 
tail  spots. 

Known  also  as  the  Golden-crowned  Thrush.  A  little  old-fashioned 
bird  usually  found  in  scrubby  woodlands,  walking  on  the  ground 
or  on  a  tree  branch,  constantly  flirting  its  tail.  Common  in  Massa- 
chusetts. Arrives  about  May  1. 

Song.  "  Teacher,  teacher,  teacher,  teacher,  TEACHER." 
Nest.  On  the  ground,  often  roofed  over,  in  the  woods. 
Breeds.  Throughout  New  England. 

95 


675.    Seiurus  noveboracensis 

WATER  THRUSH.     6  inches 

Male  and  Female  alike.     Above  olive  brown ;  no  wing  bars  nor 

tail  spots.     Below  dull  white,  streaked  with  brown. 

Known  also   as    the    Water    Wagtail   and   Northern   Thrush.     A 

bird  of  low,  swampy  ground ;  a  walker.     Migrant  in  Massachusetts. 

Arrives  about  May  10. 

Song.     Loud  and  clear. 

Nest.     Near  the  ground,  in  a  swamp  or  near  water. 

Breeds.     In  northern  New  England. 

96 


Geothlypis  trichas  brachydactyla 
NORTHERN  MARYLAND  YELLOWTHROAT.     5  inches 

Male.      Above  olive-green  ;  forehead  and  band  through  eye  black  ; 
no  wing  bars  nor  tail  spots.     Below  bright  yellow.    Female.     Sim- 
ilar, but  no  black  on  head  and  yellow  breast  paler  than  the  male's. 
A  little  flirt   of   the  brookside  and  spring  pasture,  often    on   the 
ground.     Common  in  Massachusetts.     Arrives  about  May  1. 
Song.     "  Wichity,  wichity" 
Nest.     On  the  ground,  in  swampy  tussocks. 
Breeds.     Throughout  New  England. 

97 


683.    Icteria  virens 
YELLOW-BREASTED  CHAT.     7  1-2  inches 

Male  and  Female  alike.     Above  olive-green  ;  white  line  over  the 

eye  ;  no  wing  bars  nor  tail  spots.     Below  brilliant  yellow. 

An   inhabitant  of   low   bushy   places.     Rare  summer   resident   in 

Massachusetts.     Arrives  about  the  middle  of  May. 

Song.     Loud,  mimicking  and  rollicking,  suggesting  the  Catbird's 

Nest.     Near  the  ground  in  a  thicket. 

Breeds.     In  southern  New  England. 

98 


685.    Wilsonia  pusilla 
WILSON'S   WARBLER.    5  inches 

Male.  Above  bright  olive-green;  head  yellow,  with  black  cap. 
Below  yellow;  no  wing  bars  nor  tail  spots.  Female.  Similar, 
but  lacks  black  cap. 

Also  called  Wilson's  Blackcap.  Active  birds  found  in  the  under- 
brush, flycatcher  manner.  A  migrant  in  Massachusetts.  Arrives 
about  May  10. 

Song.     A  few  weak,  rapid  notes. 
Nest.     Of  leaves  and  grasses,  on  the  ground. 
Breeds.     Northern  New  England  and  eastern  Maine. 

99 


686.    Wilsonia  canadensis 
CANADIAN  WARBLER.     5  1.2  inches 

Male.  Above  blue-gray  ;  black  spots  on  top  of  head ;  no  wing 
bars  nor  tail  spots.  Below  yellow  black  line  under  eye  and  down 
sides  of  throat;  a  band  of 'black  spots  across  the  breast.  Female. 
Similar,  but  markings  dusky  instead  of  black. 

An  active  bird  of  the  underbrush,  flycatcher  habit.  Migrant  in 
Massachusetts.  Arrives  about  May  20. 

Song.  A  few  hurried  notes  ending  abruptly  with  a  rising  in- 
flection. 

Nest.     On  the  ground,  in  woods  near  water. 
Breeds.     In  New  England,  sparingly  in  the  southern  part. 

100 


687.    Setophaga  ruticilla 
AMERICAN  REDSTART.     5  inches 

Male.  Above  black  ;  large  wing  patch  and  tail  blotches  orange. 
Below  black ;  belly  white ;  sides  of  breast  orange.  Female. 
Greenish  gray  where  the  male  is  black,  and  yellow  where  it  is 
orange. 

An  inhabitant  of  the  maples  and  elms  of  the  roadside,  also  found  in 
open  woodlands.  It  is  a  gay  little  flycatcher,  and  in  flight  suggests 
a  miniature  Baltimore  Oriole.  Common  in  Massachusetts.  Arrives 
about  May  5. 

Song.     "  Weechee,  weeche,  weeche"  thin  and  wiry  on  a  rising  scale 
Nest.     In  a  crotch  not  very  high  up. 
Breeds.     Throughout  New  England. 

101 


MOTACILLIDAE 

697.    Anthus  pensilvanicus 
AMERICAN  TITLARK   OR  PIPIT.     6  inches 

Male  and  Female  alike.     Above  brown,  faintly  streaked ;  wings 
and   tail  darker;  outer   tail  feathers   marked  with  white.     Below 
buffy ;  breast  and  sides  streaked  with  brown.     Frequents,  in  scat- 
tering flocks,  recently  ploughed  fields  and  pastures  ;  is  a  walker  and 
has   a   habit   of   jerking  its    tail;    flight    undulating.     Migrant    in 
Massachusetts.     Arrives  about  April  10. 
Song.     A  faint  note  uttered  on  the  wing. 
Nest.     On  the  ground,  made  of  grass. 
Breeds.     Far  north. 

102 


TROGLODYTIDAE 
THRASHERS,  WRENS,  ETC. 

The  Wrens  are  energetic  little  creatures,  always  ready  to  show  fight 
if  their  rights  are  intruded  on.  They  have  barred  and  mottled 
plumage,  short  tails,  which  they  often  bend  forward  or  keep  erect. 
They  creep  over  the  branches  and  grasses  searching  for  insect  food. 
The  Catbird  and  Brown  Thrasher,  though  much  larger,  are  closely 
related,  and  the  whole  group  take  high  rank  as  singers.  The 
Wrens  have  astonishingly  loud  voices  for  such  tiny  birds ;  the 
quality  is  clear  and  sweet,  except  in  the  case  of  the  Short-billed 
Marsh  Wren. 

103 


704.    Galeoscoptes  carolinensis 

CATBIRD.     8  1-2  inches 

Male  and  Female  alike.  Above  and  below  slate  colored ;  crown 
black;  a  chestnut  spot  under  the  tail. 

A  bird  of  the  shrubbery,  usually  near  water,  often  on  the  ground. 
Notice  their  tails ;  they  flirt  them  a  good  deal,  droop  them  when 
singing  and  spread  them  wide  when  flying.  Common  summer  resi- 
dent in  Massachusetts.  Arrives  early  in  May. 

Song.     Full,  loud  and  happy,  quite  like  the   Brown  Thrasher's. 
Common  note,  a  "  mew  "  like  a  cat. 
Nest.     In  a  thicket  near  the  ground. 
Breeds.     Throughout  New  England. 

104 


705.    Toxostoma  rufum 

BROWN   THRASHER.     11  inches 

Male  and  Female  alike.  Above  cinnamon  brown ;  white  wing 
bars.  Below  white,  heavily  spotted  with  dark  brown  ;  very  long 
tail,  which  it  flirts  in  an  energetic  manner. 

Is  also  called  the  Brown  Thrush.  Large  birds  of  the  scrub  oaks 
and  thickets ;  much  on  the  ground,  rustling  among  the  leaves  ; 
usually  in  pairs.  Common  summer  resident  in  Massachusetts. 
Arrives  early  in  May. 

Song.     Rich,  full  and  varied ;  seems  to  be  full  of   conversation 
and  mimicry,  easily  mistaken  for  the  Catbird's. 
Nest.     In  a  shrub  a  few  feet  from  the  ground. 
Breeds.     Southern  New  England. 

105 


721.    Troglodytes  aedon 

HOUSE  WREN.      5  inches 

Male  and  Female  alike.  Above  reddish  brown ;  wings  and  tail 
finely  barred  ;  tail  usually  held  erect.  Below  grayish,  indistinctly 
barred. 

A  brave  little  bird  of  the  orchard,  singing  merrily  through  the  day 
Formerly  they  were  common  in  southern  New  Eng- 
land, now  rare  except  in  a  few  localities.     Arrives 
in  Massachusetts  about  May  1. 

Song.     A  loud,  clear,  ringing  warble. 
Nest.     In  hole  in  tree  or  in  a  bird  box. 
Breeds.     Sparingly  throughout  New  England. 

106 


722.     Olbiorchilus  hiemalis 

WINTER  WREN.      4  inches 

Male  and  Female  alike.  Above  reddish  brown ;  tail  short  and 
often  carried  erect ;  wings  and  tail  finely  barred.  Below  yellowish 
brown,  finely  barred. 

A  tiny,  spirited  bird  of  the  deep  woods,  fond  of  the  brush  heap 
and  old  dead  log.  Migrant  in  Massachusetts.  Arrives  in  April. 
Is  more  abundant  in  the  autumn  than  in  the  spring  migration. 

Song.     A  rapid,  rippling  melody,  rich  and  ringing  in  quality. 
Nest.     In  a  stump  or  the  roots  of  a  tree. 
Breeds.     In  northern  New  England. 

107 


724.    Cistothorus  stellaris 

SHORT-BILLED  MARSH  WREN.  4  1-2  inches 
Male  and  Female  alike.  Above  brownish  ;  tail  and  wings  barred. 
Below  brownish  gray  ;  throat  lighter. 

Both  species,  Nos.  724  and  725,  are  tiny  mouse-like  birds,  difficult 
to  discover,  as  they  creep  along  the  reeds  and  weed  stalks  hunting 
for  spiders  and  insects.  They  live  in  colonies  and  inhabit  open, 
swampy  places.  Locally  common  in  Massachusetts.  Arrives 
about  the  middle  of  May.  Song.  Short  and  unmusical.  Nest. 
In  the  grass.  Breeds.  In  southern  New  England. 

725.     Telmatodytes  palustris 
LONG-BILLED  MARSH  WREN.     5  inches 

Appearance,  range  and  habit  much  like  No.  724,  but  has  a  longer 
bill  and  is  a  little  larger.  Song.  A  bubbling  melody.  Nest. 
Attached  to  reeds  a  few  feet  from  the  ground.  Builds  false  nests. 

108 


CERTHIIDAE 
726.     Certhia  familiaris  americana 

BROWN  CREEPER.    5  1-2  inches 

Male  and  Female  alike.     Above  mottled,  brown  and  white ;  long 
bill ;  tail  feathers  stiff  pointed.     Below  white. 
A  bird  of  the  tree  trunks,  twisting  slowly  up,  up  in  search 
of  insect  food,  then  when  it  has  made  the  ascent  it  flies 
to  the  foot  of  the  tree  and  starts  up  again,  frequently 
uttering  a  squeaky  skeep,  skeep.     Common  in  Massachu- 
setts in  the  winter. 

Song.     A  few  weak  but  musical  notes,  seldom  heard  ex- 
cept in  the  breeding  season. 

Nest.     On  the  trunks  of  trees,  behind  a  loose  piece  of 
bark. 
Breeds.     In  northern  New  England. 

109 


PARIDAE:  SITTINAE 
727.     Sitta  carolinensis 

WHITE-BREASTED  NUTHATCH.     6  inches 
Male.     Above    blue-gray  ;  top  of  head   black ;  the  sides  white  ; 
long  black  bill ;  wing  bars  and  tail  spots  white  ;  tail  very  short  and 
square.  Below  white.  Female.  Similar,  but  has  little  black  on  head. 
A   bird  of   the  tree  trunks  and  branches, 
usually  seen  head  downwards  poking  in  the 
crevices  of  the  bark  for  its  insect  food,  is 
also  fond  of  nuts  and  table  bits  that  thought- 
ful   persons  furnish  it.     Common  in  Mas- 
sachusetts in  autumn  and  winter. 
Song.     A  prolonged    ha-ha-ha-ha,  also    a 
nasal  note  likejytf «/£,  yank,  yank. 
Nest.     In  a  hole  in  a  tree. 
Breeds.     Throughout  New  England. 


110 


I  AH 


728.     Sitta  canadensis 
RED-BREASTED  NUTHATCH.    4  12  inches 

Male.  Above  blue-gray ;  top  of  head  black,  the  sides  white ; 
broad  black  line  through  eye  ;  bill  long  and  black.  Below,  throat 
white;  breast  chestmit ;  tail  short  and  square,  with  white  spots. 
Female.  Similar,  but  little  black  on  the  head. 
Distinguished  from  White-breasted  by  its  red  breast  and  smaller 
size.  An  uncommon  winter  visitor  in  Massachusetts. 

Song.     Similar  to   the    White-breasted   but  sharper  and  higher 

pitched. 

Nest.     In  hole  in  tree. 

Breeds.     In  northern  New  England. 

Ill 


PARIDAE:  PARINAE 
735.    Parus  atricapillus 

CHICKADEE.     5  inches 

Male  and  Female  alike.  Above  blue-gray;  top  of  head  black, 
sides  white.  Below  yellowish  white ;  throat  black. 
This  dainty,  much-loved  creature  often  merrily  calls  its  name  just 
outside  the  window  on  cold  winter  mornings.  In  February  it 
begins  to  whistle  its  sweet,  clear  "  Phoebe  "  notes  that  some- 
times cause  the  young  bird  student  to  confound  it  with  the 
flycatcher  Phoebe  that  normally  does  not  reach  Massachusetts  till 
late  in  March.  Common  in  Massachusetts,  in  autumn  and  winter. 
Song.  Chick-a-dee,  dee,  dee,  chick-a-dee, 
dee,  dee,  and  a  clear  whistled  Phoebe,  "  rep- 
resented  by  G  and  F  on  the  piano." 
Nest.  Of  warm  material,  in  holes  in  trees 
and  stumps. 

Breeds.     Throughout  New  England. 

112 


SYLVIIDAE:  REGULINAE 
748.    Regulus  satrapa 
GOLDEN-CROWNED   KINGLET.     4  inches 

Male.      Above   olive-gray  ;    crown    gold  ;    bordered   with    black 

stripe ;  white  line  around  the  eye ;  wing  bars  white.     Below  gray. 

Female.     Similar,    but   the    crown    yellow, 

bordered  with  black  stripe. 

Winters  in  Massachusetts. 

Note.     In  winter  a  weak,  wiry  tzee,  tzee,  tzee. 

Nest.     In  conifers,  usually  pensile. 

Breeds.     In  northern  New  England. 

113 


749.    Regulus  calendula 
RUBY-CROWNED   KINGLET.    4  inches 

Male.     Above  olive-gray ;    scarlet  crest  displayed    at  will ;  wing 
bars  tinged  with  yellow.     Below  gray.     Female.     Similar,  no  crest. 
A  spring  and  autumn  migrant  in  Massachusetts.     Arrives  in  April. 
Song.     Rich  and  loud,  suggesting  a  wren. 
Nest.     In  conifers,  usually  pensile. 
Breeds.     North  and  east  of  New  England. 


114 


TURDIDAE 

THRUSHES,    BLUEBIRDS 

The   Thrushes   are   large    brownish    birds  with  speckled  breasts. 

They  keep  near  the  ground,  feed  largely 

on  insects  and  berries,  and  are  perhaps 

our  finest  singers. 

Notice  that  the  color  of  the  Wood  Thrush 

is  reddish  on  the  head,  that  of  the  Veery 

and  Olive-backed  is  uniform,  and  that  of 

the  Hermit  is  reddish  on  the  tail. 


115 


755.    Hylocichla  mustelina 

WOOD  THRUSH.     8  inches 

Male  and  Female  alike.    Above  olive-brown  ;  headreddish.    Below 

white,  heavily  spotted  with  brown. 

Found  in  open,  damp  woods  where  there  is  underbrush.     Common 

summer  resident  in  Massachusetts.     Arrives  about  May  10. 

Song.     Rich,  liquid  flute  quality,  divided  into  three  phrases. 

Nest.     Eight  or  ten  feet  from  the  ground  in  open  woodlands,  also 

by  the  roadside. 

Breeds.     In  southern  New  England. 

116 


756.     Hylocichla  fuscescens 
VEERY,  WILSON'S  THRUSH.    7  inches 

Male  and  Female  alike.  Above  uniform  olive-brown.  Below 
cream,  lightly  spotted  with  brown. 

A  shy  bird  of  open  wet  woods  and  thickets,  often  walking  and 
running  on  the  ground.  Common  summer  resident  of  Massachu- 
setts. Arrives  about  May  10. 

Song.     Weird  and  ringing,  divided  in  three  parts,  sounding  some- 
what like  vee-a-ry,  vee-a-ry.     This  interpretation  has  given  it  one  of 
its  common  names. 
Nest.     On  or  near  the  ground. 
Breeds.     Throughout  New  England. 

117 


7580.    Hylocichla  ustulata  swainsoni 

OLIVE-BACKED  THRUSH.    7  inches 

Male  and   Female  alike.     Above   uniform  olive-brown.     Below 
cream,  spotted  with  brown. 

Its  summer  home  is  in  the  evergreen  woods  of  northern  New  Eng- 
land.    Migrant  in  Massachusetts.     Arrives  about  May  15. 

Song.     Clear  and  ringing,  easily   confounded  with   the  Hermit's 

song. 

Nest.     In  a  bush  or  low  tree. 

Breeds.     In  northern  New  England. 

118 


759£.    Hylocichla  guttata  pallasii 

HERMIT  THRUSH.      7  inches 

Male  and  Female  alike.  Above  olive-brown  ;  tail  reddish.  Be- 
low white,  heavily  spotted  with  brown. 

The  Hermit  has  a  habit  of  jerking  its  tail,  which  helps  to  distin- 
guish it  from  the  Olive-backed,  which  it  so  much  resembles  in  looks 
and  song.  Migrant  in  Massachusetts  (except  on  Cape  Cod,  where 
it  breeds).  Arrives  about  the  middle  of  April. 

Song.     Clear  and  ringing,  given  on  a  descending  scale. 

Nest.     On  the  ground. 

Breeds.     In  northern  New  England  and  on  Cape  Cod. 

119 


761.    Merula  migrator ia 
AMERICAN  ROBIN.     10  inches 

Male.  Above  brownish  gray  ;  head  and  tail  black.  Below  chest- 
nut ;  throat  streaked  with  black  and  white.  Female.  Similar, 
but  colors  duller. 

Robins  migrate  and  roost  in  flocks.  Hop  and  run ;  flight  straight 
and  strong.  Common  summer  resident  in  Massachusetts,  some 
winter  in  cedar  swamps.  Arrives  in  March. 

Song.  A  loud,  happy,  vuhere-are-you  ?  where-are-you  ?  repeated 
and  interspersed  with  whistles. 

Nest.  In  trees  or  bushes  not  very  high  up,  made  of  mud,  grasses, 
etc. 

Breeds.     Throughout  New  England. 

120 


766.     Sialia  sialis 

BLUEBIRD.        7  inches 

Male.  Above  bright  blue.  Below  chestnut.  Female.  Browner 
and  duller  colors. 

A  bird  beloved  by  the  New  England  farmers ;  feeds  on  insects  and 
berries.  A  rhythmic,  undulating  flight,  often  seen  in  flocks  in  the 
autumn.  Common  in  Massachusetts.  Arrives  early  in  March. 

Song.     A  low,  sweet  warble. 

Nest.     In  a  bird  house  or  a  hole  in  a  tree. 

Breeds.     Throughout  New  England. 

121 


INDEX 


Blackbird,  crow 36 

red-winged 31 

rusty 35 

Blackbirds 28 

Bluebird 121 

Bobolink 29 

Butcherbird 71 

Catbird 104 

Cedarbird 70 

Chat,  yellow-breasted 98 

Chewink CO 

Chickadee 112 

Cowbird. 30 

Creeper,  brown 109 

Crossbill,  American 41 

"          white-winged 4o 

Crow 27 


Cuckoo,  black-billed 6 

yellow-billed 4 

Finch,  purple 39 

Finches 37 

Flicker 12 

Flycatcher,  crested 19 

least 24 

olive-sided 21 

yellow-bellied 23 

Flycatchers 17 

Goldfinch 43 

Crackle,  bronzed 36 

"          purple 36 

Grosbeak,  pine 38 

"  rose-breasted 61 

Humming-bird 16 

Indigo  bird 62 


122 


INDEX.— Continued. 


Jay,  blue 26 

Junco 56 

Kingbird 18 

Kingfisher,  belted .6 

Kinglet,  golden-crowned 113 

"  ruby-crowned 114 

Lark,  horned 25 

"  meadow 32 

Martin,  purple 65 

•  Maryland  yellowthroat 97 

Meadow  lark..- 32 

Nighthawk 14 

Nuthatch,  red-breasted Ill 

11  white-breasted 110 

Oriole,  Baltimore 34 

"  orchard 33 

Ovenbird 95 

Peabody  bird 52 


Pewee,  wood 22 

Phoebe 20 

Pipit,  American 102 

Redpoll 42 

Redstart,  American 101 

Robin  120 

Sapsucker,  yellow-bellied 10 

Shrike,  northern 71 

Siskin,  pine 44 

Snowbird 56 

Snow  bunting 45 

Snowflake 45 

Sparrow,  chipping 54 

field 55 

fox 59 

"  grasshopper 49 

Sparrow,  Ipswich 47 

"          savanna 48 


123 


INDEX.— Continued. 

Sparrow,  sharp-tailed 50  Thrush,  golden-crowned 95 

•'          song 57  ''        hermit 119 

"         swamp 58  '•        olive-backed 118 

tree 53  "        water 96 

"          vesper 46  "         Wilson's 117 

' '          white-crowned 51  "         wood 116 

"         white-throated 52  Thrushes 115 

Sparrows 37  Titlark,  American 102 

Swallow,  bank 69  Towhee 60 

"         barn 67  Veery 117 

cliff 66  Vireo,  blue-headed 76 

"        eave 66  "      red-eyed 73 

"        tree.   68  "      solitary  76 

"        white-bellied 68  "      warbling 74 

Swallows 64  white-eyed 77 

Swift,  chimney 15  "      yellow-throated 75 

Tanager,  scarlet 63  Vireos 72 

Thrasher,  brown 105  Warbler,  bay-breasted 88 

124 


INDEX.— Concluded. 

Warbler,  black  and  white 79  Warbler,  yellow 83 

blackburnian 90  yellow  palm .93 

"          blackpoll 84  "         yellow-rumped 85 

"         black-throated  blue 89  Warblers     78 

"         black-throated  green 91  Whip-poor-will   13 

Canadian 100  Woodpecker,  downy 9 

chestnut-sided 87  golden-winged 12 

'*          golden-winged 80  hairy....    8 

"         magnolia 86  red-headed 11 

"          Maryland  yellowthroat.  .97  Woodpeckers 7 

"         myrtle 85  Wren,  house 106 

"          Nashville 81  "      long-billed  marsh 108 

"          parula 82  "      short-billed  marsh 108 

"         pine 92  "      winter 107 

>rairie 94  Wrens 103 

ilson's 99 


125 


&: 


